Tag: blogging

Admittedly, I have this bias. Perhaps you have this bias. When I think about Paris–which you’re learning is pretty often–I almost always imagine it covered with spring. Trees bearing light pink blossoms that gently blow in the breeze. Couples walking hand in hand along the River Seine, the light air adding a delicate touch to their sweet love. Monet’s gardens, vintage sundresses, and berets. This is the Paris I invariably think of; the other three seasons don’t seem to factor when I think about the City of Lights. (Hey, I went to Paris in August and reminisce over it with a spring-y touch.)

But can you blame me? “Paris in Springtime” is a phrase we’ve all heard. Artwork, quotes, songs, poetry–Paris and springtime have been linked since time began, it seems. Do you wonder why? Me, too. I don’t have an answer. But if we want to envision one of the most romantic and inspiring cities on the planet (I’m so biased, but that’s ok) within a season that we associate with beauty, rebirth, and shedding off the harsh skin of winter and beginning anew, I seriously have no problem with that.

But there are three other seasons. And as my good friend and fellow participant in Project Blogtober, Laura, mentioned so eloquently in her recent post, I do wonder what autumn is like in one of my favorite cities. Is it like the New England-y fall vista that I typically associate with this time of year? Well, in the age of Pinterest, let’s see what I found when I looked up Paris in Autumn.

Hi there. So because this marks the beginning of my favorite month, within my favorite season, and it’s my intent to be regular with posting, I hereby deem October 1 as the first day of Blogtober.

What is Blogtober, you ask? For the remaining 30 days of this month, I will post every day and will incorporate autumn as the theme in each post. And I invite all my other favorite bloggers to do the same! The only rules are, again, to post every day this month and somehow include autumn in said post. How this is accomplished is totally up to the blogger. Join me, won’t you?

To start, below are some beautiful quotes about this season from some of the best literary minds. (All photos courtesy of my favorite place to get lost when I’m online, Pinterest.)

Yes, I’m alive. I’m aliiiive. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? What I can say? I’ve been all over the place.

So what did she (being me) do?

I made strides on that musical bucket list by seeing this gentleman in concert last month. Even better, I took my mom and we screamed like we were 16 years old because that’s how we do. Even better than better, I was happy to make my mom happy. Such good, good times.

60,000 of my family in faith traveled to the DC area for two weeks of fellowship. I can’t really describe it in words. Just know that experience can be a beautiful teacher, and to experience those two weeks taught me qualities I didn’t know I had. It was something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

I dyed her hair. Whaaat? Yes. Oh, how I love it. It’s a copper bronze-y, red-y color and it just brightens everything up for me. Needless to say, my mother nearly collapsed when she saw it. She who dyes her hair on the regular. Ha! (Please note that being in my mid-30s means nothing to my mother. It means nothing.) Nevertheless, I informed her–to her everlasting, why-does-she-insist-on-growing-up chagrin–that I will be maintaining the color. But we’ll discuss hair and those changes in a future post.

I lost 20 pounds. Whaaat? Yes. Since I don’t weigh myself (to remain sane), it was nice to visit the doctor last month and get this news. Onwards and upwards, though, you know? I decided to take the weight loss thing at a normal pace. My goal, really, is to have better health. But this is a wonderful plus as we continue on that particular journey.

Just a few things going on in this life of mine.

Be back soon.

Current Song on Repeat (because it’s beautiful and I wept like a 2 year-old when I saw the video)

*That’s me in the corner, attempting a cartwheel. Note that I was distracted in tumbling class*

Woo hoo!

Thanks to Ms. Afrikan Butterfly, This Square Peg was nominated for the Sunshine and Shine awards, for bloggers “who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogsphere.” The coolness of that knows no bounds, if only because being positive and being creative are two things I consider pretty important. Both in blogging and in life. Thanks again, Afrikan Butterfly!

Inspired by a great idea from Natalie of Natalie’s Lovely Blog (follow her, won’t you?) and her friend McKenna Ryan , my pal and fellow blogger Toia B. of Luv To B Natural (check her out!) and I decided to interview each other on current fashion loves and likes and can’t-live-withouts. Natalie and McKenna’s fun idea consisted of finding a blogging friend and exchanging the Quaint Questionnaire with them. Feel free to do the same, and be sure to tag Natalie and McKenna if you do!

Below are Toia’s awesome answers; head over to her blog to see my answers to the same questions.

Describe your perfect winter outfit.

Let’s see… a dark rinsed pair of jeans, cognac riding boots, a chambray button-down and a v-neck sweater. Layering for warmth with coordination for flyness!

Infinity or rectangle scarves?

While I own a gaggle of rectangular scarves, I LOVE a nice infinity/circle scarf. They just make sense!

Color you can wear all year round?

Teal! As of last year, it’s my new favorite color. I found myself wearing it during the winter right into summer when I often paired it with coral. Lovely combo!

What is your take on the Fall 2013 knee-high sock comeback?

I actually love it! I may be turning 34 next month but hey, I like what I like… and I like that look. Ya know, when you wear it with some boots and have a bit of it peeking out over the top? Yeah, so cute!

What is an accessory you can’t leave the house without?

Earrings. Even if I’m just making a trip to the supermarket or running a quick errand to the post office, I’ve gotta put on some hoops or something. Just gotta! I keep a gold pair and a silver pair right where I can grab them on my way out.

How do you relax during those cold wintry nights?

Recently, I’ve been winding down with a Cosby Show mini-marathon, a PB&J sandwich, a large mug of hot chocolate and my fuzzy socks.

Royals by Lorde. Sure, it’s been around for a minute but that beat… those hooks…I just can’t get enough!

What is a trend you hope never ever ever goes out of style?

Jeans paired with a blazer. It’s so basic and easy to execute that I don’t think we’d have to worry about that. Definitely my go-to.

Ankle booties or knee high boots?

There are only certain kinds of ankle booties that I actually like and I only own one pair (that I can remember) so I’m gonna go with knee-high boots. You can wear ’em with jeans, pair ’em with a skirt or maxi dress to transition from summer to winter… love the versatility.

Describe your idea of a perfect winter day.

Curling up under a blanket or my favorite sweatshirt with some hot chocolate and a good, funny movie!

Hot chocolate or chai tea latte?

Gaaaah! Ya got me! I love them both equally… is that acceptable?

What is a piece you wish you had in your closet right now?

The perfect black pencil skirt. I have yet to find one to fit just right!

Thanks, Toia! Love your responses; I’m also on a quest to find the perfect pencil skirt and can’t live without my earrings.